Exotic Future Paved In Gold

Connections of Exotic Dancer are leaning towards a run in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup after his impressive victory at the track on Saturday.

The seven-year-old romped away with the Letheby And Christopher Chase, one of the major Gold Cup trials, beating Our Vic by 18 lengths on his first try at the extended three-mile-one-furlong trip.

Although the Jonjo O'Neill-trained gelding will be given an entry in the Ryanair Chase at the Festival, Barry Simpson, racing manager to owner Sir Robert Ogden, admits the Gold Cup is in the equation.

'I will have to discuss it with Sir Robert, but the rest of the team seem very keen on going for the Gold Cup,' he said.

'He will be entered in the Ryanair Chase as well but a lot will depend on what happens in the next couple of weeks.

'There is the Aon Chase at Newbury and although Kauto Star does seem pretty invincible this season, you can't run away from one horse.

'Exotic Dancer won't have another run now though, there's no need and we just want to get to Cheltenham ? hopefully for the Gold Cup.'

Following his Cheltenham victory, Exotic Dancer is now as short as 8-1 with Stan James for the Gold Cup while the same firm make him the 7-2 favourite for the Ryanair Chase.

Ruby Walsh rates Exotic Dancer as a live danger to Kauto Star in the Cheltenham feature.

Walsh has already guided Kauto Star to glory in three Grade One events this winter, and had Exotic Dancer eight lengths adrift in second in the King George VI Chase last month.

Walsh and his mount Neptune Collonges came down at the second-last in the Letheby And Christopher Chase, but the Irishman saw enough of Exotic Dancer to afford him plenty of respect ahead of the Gold Cup.

Walsh said: 'It rode like a very good race and Exotic Dancer has to be a danger in the Gold Cup.

'I thought I would outstay Our Vic and was starting to but Tony (McCoy on Exotic Dancer) came past me at the second-last still on the bridle and he must be a very good horse.'

(C) PA Sport